Abstract. Over time, ways of investing and the factors influencing this process have continuously evolved. The starting point was traditional trade, moving to export and then finally getting to international investment. Investors, policy makers and researchers have become increasingly concerned with identifying the factors that determine the investment decision and also the conditions that can increase international investment. There are several studies on this topic, and we have chosen to go over the most relevant in the first part of the paper. In the second part we analyze the evolution of FDI before and during the economic downturn, defining specificity and implications for Romania. In the third part of the paper we analyze some measures designed to boost FDI.

Keywords: foreign direct investment, economic crisis, economic growth.